Many consumers are also being charged for needless work. The most popular upsells, unnecessary work and charges are:

1. Brake fluid change

2. Anti-freeze drain and refill

3. Fuel/ oil cleaners

4. Brakes – pads and discs (when wear is within safety limits)

5. Wiper blades

6. Battery replacement

7. Tracking

8. Oil top ups

9. Tyres (When tread is well within legal limit)

10. Pollen filters

Nick Reid, Head of Automotive Technology at Green Flag, commented: "Our research highlights just how much drivers are overspending on repairs - fueled by a combination of the changes in the MOT test and a lack of confidence in negotiating with garages, motorists are becoming less equipped to ensure they’re getting the best deal on repairs.

“This is particularly evident by our findings that 61 per cent aren’t sure what MOT stands for, and the fact that 39 per cent don’t understand what is being checked during a test.

"At Green Flag, we are committed to ensuring our customers are put first. Our Smart Service is the common sense solution to ensure you’re paying only what is necessary for vehicle repairs – putting motorists back in the driving seat.”

If driver prematurely replace tyres it could also be needlessly costing them (Image: GETTY)